Companions of the Prophet

"Allah's Apostle said, "A time will come upon the people, when a group
of people will wage a holy war and it will be said, 'Is there amongst
you anyone who has accompanied Allah's Apostle?' They will say, 'Yes.'
And so victory will be bestowed on them. Then a time will come upon
the people when a group of people will wage a holy war, and it will be
said, "Is there amongst you a none who has accompanied the companions
of Allah's Apostle?' They will say, 'Yes.' And so victory will be
bestowed on them. Then a time will come upon the people when a group
of people will wage a holy war, and it will be said, "Is there amongst
you anyone who has been in the company of the companions of the
companions of Allah's Apostle ?' They will say, 'Yes.' And victory
will be bestowed on them."

"Allah's Apostle said, 'The best of my followers are those living in
my generation (i.e. my contemporaries). and then those who will follow
the latter" 'Imran added, "I do not remember whether he mentioned two
or three generations after his generation, then the Prophet added,
'There will come after you, people who will bear witness without being
asked to do so, and will be treacherous and untrustworthy, and they
will vow and never fulfill their vows, and fatness will appear among
them."

The Prophet said, "The best people are those living in my generation,
and then those who will follow them, and then those who will follow
the latter. Then there will come some people who will bear witness
before taking oaths, and take oaths before bearing witness." (Ibrahim,
a sub-narrator said, "They used to beat us for witnesses and covenants
when we were still children.")

Abu Bakr bought a (camel) saddle from 'Azib for thirteen Dirhams. Abu
Bakr said to 'Azib, "Tell Al-Bara' to carry the saddle for me." 'Azib
said, "No, unless you relate to me what happened to you and Allah 's
Apostle when you left Mecca while the pagans were in search of you."
Abu Bakr said, "We left Mecca and we travel led continuously for that
night and the following day till it was midday. I looked (around)
searching for shade to take as shelter, and suddenly I came across a
rock, and found a little shade there. So I cleaned the place and
spread a bed for the Prophet in the shade and said to him, 'Lie down,
O Allah's Apostle.' So the Prophet lay down and I went out, looking
around to see if there was any person pursuing us. Suddenly I saw a
shepherd driving his sheep towards the rock, seeking what we had
already sought from it. I asked him, 'To whom do you belong, O boy?'
He said, 'I belong to a man from Quraish.' He named the man and I
recognized him. I asked him, 'Is there any milk with your sheep?' He
said, 'Yes.' I said, 'Will you then milk (some) for us?' He said,
'Yes.' Then I asked him to tie the legs of one of the sheep and clean
its udder, and then ordered him to clean his hands from dust. Then the
shepherd cleaned his hands by striking his hands against one another.
After doing so, he milked a small amount of milk. I used to keep for
Allah's Apostle a leather water-container, the mouth of which was
covered with a piece of cloth. I poured water on the milk container
till its lower part was cold. Then I took the milk to the Prophet whom
I found awake. I said to him, 'Drink, O Allah's Apostle.' So he drank
till I became pleased. Then I said, 'It is time for us to move, O
Allahs Apostle!' He said, 'Yes.' So we set out while the people (i.e.
Quraish pagans) were searching for us, but none found us except
Suraiqa bin Malik bin Jushum who was riding his horse. I said, 'These
are our pursuers who have found us. O Allah's Apostle!' He said, 'Do
not grieve, for Allah is with us."

Allah's Apostle addressed the people saying, "Allah has given option
to a slave to choose this world or what is with Him. The slave has
chosen what is with Allah." Abu Bakr wept, and we were astonished at
his weeping caused by what the Prophet mentioned as to a Slave ( of
Allah) who had been offered a choice, (we learned later on) that
Allah's Apostle himself was the person who was given the choice, and
that Abu Bakr knew best of all of us. Allah's Apostle added, "The
person who has favored me most of all both with his company and
wealth, is Abu Bakr. If I were to take a Khalil other than my Lord, I
would have taken Abu Bakr as such, but (what relates us) is the
Islamic brotherhood and friendliness. All the gates of the Mosque
should be closed except the gate of Abu Bakr."

The people of Kufa sent a letter to Ibn Az-Zubair, asking about (the
inheritance of) (paternal) grandfather. He replied that the right of
the inheritance of (paternal) grandfather is the same as that of
father if the father is dead) and added, "Allah's Apostle said, ' If I
were to take a Khalil from this nation, I would have taken him (i.e.
Abu Bakr)."

A woman came to the Prophet who ordered her to return to him again.
She said, "What if I came and did not find you?" as if she wanted to
say, "If I found you dead?" The Prophet said, "If you should not find
me, go to Abu Bakr."

While I was sitting with the Prophet, Abu Bakr came, lifting up one
corner of h is garment uncovering h is knee. The Prophet said, "Your
companion has had a quarrel." Abu Bakr greeted (the Prophet ) and
said, "O Allah's Apostle! There was something (i.e. quarrel) between
me and the Son of Al-Khattab. I talked to him harshly and then
regretted that, and requested him to forgive me, but he refused. This
is why I have come to you." The Prophet said thrice, "O Abu Bakr! May
Allah forgive you." In the meanwhile, 'Umar regretted (his refusal of
Abu Bakr's excuse) and went to Abu Bakr's house and asked if Abu Bakr
was there. They replied in the negative. So he came to the Prophet and
greeted him, but signs of displeasure appeared on the face of the
Prophet till Abu Bakr pitied ('Umar), so he knelt and said twice, "O
Allah's Apostle! By Allah! I was more unjust to him (than he to me)."
The Prophet said, "Allah sent me (as a Prophet) to you (people) but
you said (to me), 'You are telling a lie,' while Abu Bakr said, 'He
has said the truth,' and consoled me with himself and his money." He
then said twice, "Won't you then give up harming my companion?" After
that nobody harmed Abu Bakr.

The Prophet deputed me to read the Army of Dhat-as-Salasil. I came to
him and said, "Who is the most beloved person to you?" He said, "
'Aisha." I asked, "Among the men?" He said, "Her father." I said, "Who
then?" He said, "Then 'Umar bin Al-Khattab." He then named other men.

I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "While a shepherd was amongst his
sheep, a wolf attacked them and took away one sheep. When the shepherd
chased the wolf, the wolf turned towards him and said, 'Who will be
its guard on the day of wild animals when nobody except I will be its
shepherd. And while a man was driving a cow with a load on it, it
turned towards him and spoke to him saying, 'I have not been created
for this purpose, but for ploughing." The people said, "Glorified be
Allah." The Prophet said, "But I believe in it and so does Abu Bakr
end 'Umar."

I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "While I was sleeping, I saw myself
standing at a well, on it there was a bucket. I drew water from the
well as much as Allah wished. Then Ibn Abi Quhafa (i.e. Abu Bakr) took
the bucket from me and brought out one or two buckets (of water) and
there was weakness in his drawing the water. May Allah forgive his
weakness for him. Then the bucket turned into a very big one and Ibn
Al-Khattab took it over and I had never seen such a mighty person
amongst the people as him in performing such hard work, till the
people drank to their satisfaction and watered their camels that knelt
down there."

That Allah's Apostle said, "Allah will not look on the Day of Judgment
at him who drags his robe (behind him) out of pride." Abu Bakr said
"One side of my robe slacks down unless I get very cautious about it."
Allah's Apostle said, "But you do not do that with a pride."

I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "Anybody who spends a pair of
something in Allah's Cause will be called from all the gates of
Paradise, "O Allah's slave! This is good.' He who is amongst those who
pray will be called from the gate of the prayer (in Paradise) and he
who is from the people of Jihad will be called from the gate of Jihad,
and he who is from those' who give in charity (i.e. Zakat) will be
called from the gate of charity, and he who is amongst those who
observe fast will be called from the gate of fasting, the gate of
Raiyan." Abu Bakr said, "He who is called from all those gates will
need nothing," He added, "Will anyone be called from all those gates,
O Allah's Apostle?" He said, "Yes, and I hope you will be among those,
O Abu Bakr."

(the wife of the Prophet) Allah's Apostle died while Abu Bakr was at a
place called As-Sunah (Al-'Aliya) 'Umar stood up and said, "By Allah!
Allah's Apostle is not dead!" 'Umar (later on) said, "By Allah!
Nothing occurred to my mind except that." He said, "Verily! Allah will
resurrect him and he will cut the hands and legs of some men." Then
Abu Bakr came and uncovered the face of Allah's Apostle, kissed him
and said, "Let my mother and father be sacrificed for you, (O Allah's
Apostle), you are good in life and in death. By Allah in Whose Hands
my life is, Allah will never make you taste death twice." Then he went
out and said, "O oath-taker! Don't be hasty." When Abu Bakr spoke,
'Umar sat down. Abu Bakr praised and glorified Allah and said, No
doubt! Whoever worshipped Muhammad, then Muhammad is dead, but whoever
worshipped Allah, then Allah is Alive and shall never die." Then he
recited Allah's Statement.:-- "(O Muhammad) Verily you will die, and
they also will die." (39.30) He also recited:--

"Muhammad is no more than an Apostle; and indeed many Apostles have
passed away, before him, If he dies Or is killed, will you then Turn
back on your heels? And he who turns back On his heels, not the least
Harm will he do to Allah And Allah will give reward to those Who are
grateful." (3.144)

The people wept loudly, and the Ansar were assembled with Sad bin
'Ubada in the shed of Bani Saida. They said (to the emigrants). "There
should be one 'Amir from us and one from you." Then Abu Bakr, Umar bin
Al-Khattab and Abu 'baida bin Al-Jarrah went to them. 'Umar wanted to
speak but Abu Bakr stopped him. 'Umar later on used to say, "By Allah,
I intended only to say something that appealed to me and I was afraid
that Abu Bakr would not speak so well. Then Abu Bakr spoke and his
speech was very eloquent. He said in his statement, "We are the rulers
and you (Ansars) are the ministers (i.e. advisers)," Hubab bin
Al-Mundhir said, "No, by Allah we won't accept this. But there must be
a ruler from us and a ruler from you." Abu Bakr said, "No, we will be
the rulers and you will be the ministers, for they (i.e. Quarish) are
the best family amongst the 'Arabs and of best origin. So you should
elect either 'Umar or Abu 'Ubaida bin Al-Jarrah as your ruler." 'Umar
said (to Abu Bakr), "No but we elect you, for you are our chief and
the best amongst us and the most beloved of all of us to Allah's
Apostle." So 'Umar took Abu Bakr's hand and gave the pledge of
allegiance and the people too gave the pledge of allegiance to Abu
Bakr. Someone said, "You have killed Sad bin Ubada." 'Umar said,
"Allah has killed him." 'Aisha said (in another narration), ("When the
Prophet was on his death-bed) he looked up and said thrice, (Amongst)
the Highest Companion (See Qur'an 4.69)' Aisha said, Allah benefited
the people by their two speeches. 'Umar frightened the people some of
whom were hypocrites whom Allah caused to abandon Islam because of
'Umar's speech. Then Abu Bakr led the people to True Guidance and
acquainted them with the right path they were to follow so that they
went out reciting:-- "Muhammad is no more than an Apostle and indeed
many Apostles have passed away before him.." (3.144)

I asked my father ('Ali bin Abi Talib), "Who are the best people after
Allah's Apostle ?" He said, "Abu Bakr." I asked, "Who then?" He said,
"Then 'Umar. " I was afraid he would say "Uthman, so I said, "Then
you?" He said, "I am only an ordinary person.

We went out with Allah's Apostle on one of his journeys till we
reached Al-Baida or Dhatul-Jaish where my necklace got broken (and
lost). Allah's Apostle stopped to search for it and the people too
stopped with him. There was no water at that place and they had no
water with them. So they went to Abu Bakr and said, "Don't you see
what 'Aisha has done? She has made Allah's Apostle and the people stop
where there is no water and they have no water with them. Abu Bakr
came while Allah's Apostle was sleeping with his head on my thigh and
said, "You detained Allah Apostle and the people where there is no
water and they have no water." He then admonished me and said what
Allah wished and pinched me at my flanks with his hands, but I did not
move because the head of Allah's Apostle was on my thigh .

Allah's Apostle kept on sleeping till be got up in the morning and
found no water. Then Allah revealed the Divine Verse of Tayammum, and
the people performed Tayammum. Usaid bin AlHudair said. "O family of
Abu Bakr! This is not the first blessings of yours." We urged the
camel on which I was sitting to get up from its place and the necklace
was found under it.

I performed ablution in my house and then went out and said, "Today I
shall stick to Allah's Apostle and stay with him all this day of mine
(in his service)." I went to the Mosque and asked about the Prophet .
They said, "He had gone in this direction." So I followed his way,
asking about him till he entered a place called Bir Aris. I sat at its
gate that was made of date-palm leaves till the Prophet finished
answering the call of nature and performed ablution. Then I went up to
him to see him sitting at the well of Aris at the middle of its edge
with his legs uncovered, hanging in the well. I greeted him and went
back and sat at the gate. I said, "Today I will be the gatekeeper of
the Prophet." Abu Bakr came and pushed the gate. I asked, "Who is it?"
He said, "Abu Bakr." I told him to wait, went in and said, "O Allah's
Apostle! Abu Bakr asks for permission to enter." He said, "Admit him
and give him the glad tidings that he will be in Paradise." So I went
out and said to Abu Bakr, "Come in, and Allah's Apostle gives you the
glad tidings that you will be in Paradise" Abu Bakr entered and sat on
the right side of Allah's Apostle on the built edge of the well and
hung his legs n the well as the Prophet did and uncovered his legs. I
then returned and sat (at the gate). I had left my brother performing
ablution and he intended to follow me. So I said (to myself). "If
Allah wants good for so-and-so (i.e. my brother) He will bring him
here." Suddenly somebody moved the door. I asked, "Who is it?" He
said, "'Umar bin Al-Khattab." I asked him to wait, went to Allah's
Apostle, greeted him and said, 'Umar bin Al-Khattab asks the
permission to enter." He said, "Admit him, and give him the glad
tidings that he will be in Paradise." I went to "Umar and said "Come
in, and Allah's Apostle, gives you the glad tidings that you will be
in Paradise." So he entered and sat beside Allah's Apostle on the
built edge of the well on the left side and hung his legs in the well.
I returned and sat (at the gate) and said, (to myself), "If Allah
wants good for so-and-so, He will bring him here." Somebody came and
moved the door. I asked "Who is it?" He replied, "Uthman bin Affan." I
asked him to wait and went to the Prophet and informed him. He said,
"Admit him, and give him the glad tidings of entering Paradise, I
asked him to wait and went to the Prophet and informed him. He said,
"Admit him, and give him the glad tidings of entering Paradise after a
calamity that will befall him." So I went up to him and said to him,
"Come in; Allah's Apostle gives you the glad tidings of entering
Paradise after a calamity that will befall you. "Uthman then came in
and found that the built edge of the well was occupied, so he sat
opposite to the Prophet on the other side. Said bin Al-Musaiyab said,
"I interpret this (narration) in terms of their graves."

The Prophet once climbed the mountain of Uhud with Abu Bakr, 'Umar and
'Uthman. The mountain shook with them. The Prophet said (to the
mountain), "Be firm, O Uhud! For on you there are no more than a
Prophet, a Siddiq and two martyrs.

Narrated Abdullah bin Umar: Allah's Apostle said. "While (in a dream),
I was standing by a well, drawing water from it. Abu Bakr and 'Umar
came to me. Abu Bakr took the bucket (from me) and drew one or two
buckets of water, and there was some weakness

While I was standing amongst the people who were invoking Allah for
Umar bin Al-Khattab who was lying (dead) on his bed, a man behind me
rested his elbows on my shoulder and said, "(O 'Umar!) May Allah
bestow His Mercy on you. I always hoped that Allah will keep you with
your two companions, for I often heard Allah's Apostle saying, "I, Abu
Bakr and 'Umar were (somewhere). I, Abu Bakr and 'Umar did
(something). I, Abu Bakr and 'Umar set out.' So I hoped that Allah
will keep you with both of them." I turned back to see that the
speaker was Ali bin Abi Talib.

I asked 'Abdullah bin 'Amr, "What was the worst thing the pagans did
to Allah's Apostle?" He said, "I saw 'Uqba bin Abi Mu'ait coming to
the Prophet while he was praying.' Uqba put his sheet round the
Prophet's neck and squeezed it very severely. Abu Bakr came and pulled
'Uqba away from the Prophet and said, "Do you intend to kill a man
just because he says: 'My Lord is Allah, and he has brought forth to
you the Evident Signs from your Lord?"

The Prophet said, "I saw myself (in a dream) entering Paradise, and
behold! I saw Ar-Rumaisa', Abu Talha's wife. I heard footsteps. I
asked, Who is it? Somebody said, 'It is Bilal ' Then I saw a palace
and a lady sitting in its courtyard. I asked, 'For whom is this
palace?' Somebody replied, 'It is for 'Umar.' I intended to enter it
and see it, but I thought of your ('Umar's) Ghira (and gave up the
attempt)." 'Umar said, "Let my parents be sacrificed for you, O
Allah's Apostle! How dare I think of my Ghira (self-respect) being
offended by you?

While we were with Allah's Apostle he said, "While I was sleeping, I
saw myself in Paradise, and suddenly I saw a woman performing ablution
beside a palace. I asked, 'For whom is this palace?' They replied, 'It
is for 'Umar.' Then I remembered 'Umar's Ghira (self-respect) and went
away quickly." Umar wept and Said, O Allah's Apostle! How dare I think
of my ghira (self-respect) being offended by you?

Allah's Apostle said, "While I was sleeping, I saw myself drinking
(i.e. milk), and I was so contented that I saw the milk flowing
through my nails. Then I gave (the milk) to 'Umar." They (i.e. the
companions of the Prophet) asked, "What do you interpret it?" He said,
"Knowledge."

The Prophet said, "In a dream I saw myself drawing water from a well
with a bucket. Abu Bakr came and drew a bucket or two weakly. May
Allah forgive him. Then 'Umar bin Al-Khattab came and the bucket
turned into a very large one in his hands. I had never seen such a
mighty person as he in doing such hard work till all the people drank
to their satisfaction and watered their camels that knelt down there.

Umar bin Al-Khattab asked the permission of Allah's Apostle to see him
while some Quraishi women were sitting with him, talking to him and
asking him for more expenses, raising their voices above the voice of
Allah's Apostle.

When 'Umar asked for the permission to enter, the women quickly put on
their veils. Allah'› Apostle allowed him to enter and 'Umar came in
while Allah's Apostle was smiling, 'Umar said "O Allah's Apostle! May
Allah always keep you smiling." The Prophet said, "These women who
have been here, roused my wonder, for as soon as they heard your
voice, they quickly put on their veils. "'Umar said, "O Allah's
Apostle! You have more right to be feared by them than I." Then 'Umar
addressed the women saying, "O enemies of yourselves! You fear me more
than you do Allah's Apostle ?" They said, "Yes, for you are harsher
and sterner than Allah's Apostle." Then Allah's Apostle said, "O Ibn
Al-Khattab! By Him in Whose Hands my life is! Never does Satan find
you going on a way, but he takes another way other than yours."

When (the dead body of) 'Umar was put on his deathbed, the people
gathered around him and invoked (Allah) and prayed for him before the
body was taken away, and I was amongst them. Suddenly I felt somebody
taking hold of my shoulder and found out that he was 'Ali bin Abi
Talib. 'Ali invoked Allah's Mercy for 'Umar and said, "O 'Umar! You
have not left behind you a person whose deeds I like to imitate and
meet Allah with more than I like your deeds. By Allah! I always
thought that Allah would keep you with your two companions, for very
often I used to hear the Prophet saying, 'I, Abu Bakr and 'Umar went
(somewhere); I, Abu Bakr and 'Umar entered (somewhere); and I, Abu
Bakr and 'Umar went out."'

The Prophet ascended the mountain of Uhud and he was accompanied by
Abu Bakr, 'Umar and 'Uthman. The mountain shook beneath them. The
Prophet hit it with his foot and said, "O Uhud ! Be firm, for on you
there is none but a Prophet, a Siddiq and a martyr (i.e. and two
martyrs).

Ibn 'Umar asked me about some matters concerning 'Umar. He said,
"Since Allah's Apostle died. I have never seen anybody more serious,
hard working and generous than 'Umar bin Al-Khattab (till the end of
his life."

A man asked the Prophet about the Hour (i.e. Day of Judgment) saying,
"When will the Hour be?" The Prophet said, "What have you prepared for
it?" The man said, "Nothing, except that I love Allah and His
Apostle." The Prophet said, "You will be with those whom you love." We
had never been so glad as we were on hearing that saying of the
Prophet (i.e., "You will be with those whom you love.") Therefore, I
love the Prophet, Abu Bakr and 'Umar, and I hope that I will be with
them because of my love for them though my deeds are not similar to
theirs.

Allah's Apostle said, "Among the nations before you there used to be
people who were inspired (though they were not prophets). And if there
is any of such a persons amongst my followers, it is 'Umar."

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "Among the nation of Bani
Israel who lived before you, there were men who used to be inspired
with guidance though they were not prophets, and if there is any of
such persons amongst my followers, it is 'Umar."

Allah's Apostle said, "Whilst a shepherd was amongst his sheep, a wolf
attacked them and took away a sheep. The shepherd chased it and got
that sheep freed from the wolf. The wolf turned towards the shepherd
and said, 'Who will guard the sheep on the day of wild animals when it
will have no shepherd except myself?" The people said, "Glorified be
Allah." The Prophet said, "But I believe in it and so do Abu Bakr and
'Umar although Abu Bakr and 'Umar were not present there (at the place
of the event).

I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "While I was sleeping, the people were
presented to me (in a dream). They were wearing shirts, some of which
were merely covering their (chests). and some were a bit longer. 'Umar
was presented before me and his shirt was so long that he was dragging
it." They asked, "How have you interpreted it, O Allah's Apostle?" He
said, "Religion."

When 'Umar was stabbed, he showed signs of agony. Ibn 'Abbas, as if
intending to encourage 'Umar, said to him, "O Chief of the believers!
Never mind what has happened to you, for you have been in the company
of Allah's Apostle and you kept good relations with him and you parted
with him while he was pleased with you. Then you were in the company
of Abu Bakr and kept good relations with him and you parted with him
(i.e. he died) while he was pleased with you. Then you were in the
company of the Muslims, and you kept good relations with them, and if
you leave them, you will leave them while they are pleased with you."
'Umar said, (to Ibn "Abbas), "As for what you have said about the
company of Allah's Apostle and his being pleased with me, it is a
favor, Allah did to me; and as for what you have said about the
company of Abu Bakr and his being pleased with me, it is a favor Allah
did to me; and concerning my impatience which you see, is because of
you and your companions. By Allah! If (at all) I had gold equal to the
earth, I would have ransomed myself with it from the Punishment of
Allah before I meet Him."

While I was with the Prophet in one of the gardens of Medina, a man
came and asked me to open the gate. The Prophet said to me, "Open the
gate for him and give him the glad tidings that he will enter
Paradise." I opened (the gate) for him, and behold! It was Abu Bakr. I
informed him of the glad tidings the Prophet had said, and he praised
Allah. Then another man came and asked me to open the gate. The
Prophet said to me "Open (the gate) and give him the glad tidings of
entering Paradise." I opened (the gate) for him, and behold! It was
'Umar. I informed him of what the Prophet had said, and he praised
Allah. Then another man came and asked me to open the gate. The
Prophet said to me. "Open (the gate) for him and inform him of the
glad tidings, of entering Paradise with a calamity which will befall
him. " Behold ! It was 'Uthman, I informed him of what Allah's Apostle
had said. He praised Allah and said, "I seek Allah's Aid."

The Prophet entered a garden and ordered me to guard its gate. A man
came and asked permission to enter. The Prophet said, "Admit him and
give him the glad tidings of entering Paradise." Behold! It was Abu
Bakr. Another man came and asked the permission to enter. The Prophet
said, "Admit him and give him the glad tidings of entering Paradise."
Behold! It was 'Umar. Then another man came, asking the permission to
enter. The Prophet kept silent for a short while and then said, "Admit
him and give him the glad tidings of entering Paradise with a calamity
which will befall him." Behold! It was 'Uthman bin 'Affan. 'Asim, in
another narration, said that the Prophet was sitting in a place where
there was water, and he was uncovering both his knees or his knee, and
when 'Uthman entered, he covered them (or it).

Al-Miswar bin Makhrama and 'Abdur-Rahman bin Al-Aswad bin 'Abu Yaghuth
said (to me), "What forbids you to talk to 'Uthman about his brother
Al-Walid because people have talked much about him?" So I went to
'Uthman and when he went out for prayer I said (to him), "I have
something to say to you and it is a piece of advice for you " 'Uthman
said, "O man, from you." (Umar said: I see that he said, "I seek
Refuge with Allah from you.") So I left him and went to them. Then the
messenger of Uthman came and I went to him (i.e. 'Uthman), 'Uthman
asked, "What is your advice?" I replied, "Allah sent Muhammad with the
Truth, and revealed the Divine Book (i.e. Quran) to him; and you were
amongst those who followed Allah and His Apostle, and you participated
in the two migrations (to Ethiopia and to Medina) and enjoyed the
company of Allah's Apostle and saw his way. No doubt, the people are
talking much about Al-Walid." 'Uthman said, "Did you receive your
knowledge directly from Allah's Apostle ?" I said, "No, but his
knowledge did reach me and it reached (even) to a virgin in her
seclusion." 'Uthman said, "And then Allah sent Muhammad with the Truth
and I was amongst those who followed Allah and His Apostle and I
believed in what ever he (i.e. the Prophet) was sent with, and
participated in two migrations, as you have said, and I enjoyed the
company of Allah's Apostle and gave the pledge of allegiance him. By
Allah! I never disobeyed him, nor did I cheat him till Allah took him
unto Him. Then I treated Abu Bakr and then 'Umar similarly and then I
was made Caliph. So, don't I have rights similar to theirs?" I said,
"Yes." He said, "Then what are these talks reaching me from you
people? Now, concerning what you mentioned about the question of
Al-Walid, Allah willing, I shall deal with him according to what is
right." Then he called 'Ali and ordered him to flog him, and 'Ali
flogged him (i.e. Al-Walid) eighty lashes.

Allah's Apostle ascended the (mountain) of Uhud with Abu Bakr and
'Uthman and it shook. Allah's Apostle said, "Be calm, O Uhud!" I think
he stroked it with his foot and added, "There is none on you but a
Prophet, a Siddiq and two martyrs." (The two martyrs were Umar and
Uthman) (See Hadith No. 24)

During the lifetime of the Prophet we considered Abu Bakr as peerless
and then 'Umar and then 'Uthman (coming next to him in superiority)
and then we used not to differentiate between the companions of the
Prophet

(the son of Muhib) An Egyptian who came and performed the Hajj to the
Kaba saw some people sitting. He enquire, "Who are these people?"
Somebody said, "They are the tribe of Quraish." He said, "Who is the
old man sitting amongst them?" The people replied, "He is 'Abdullah
bin 'Umar." He said, "O Ibn Umar! I want to ask you about something;
please tell me about it. Do you know that 'Uthman fled away on the day
(of the battle) of Uhud?" Ibn 'Umar said, "Yes." The (Egyptian) man
said, "Do you know that 'Uthman was absent on the day (of the battle)
of Badr and did not join it?" Ibn 'Umar said, "Yes." The man said, "Do
you know that he failed to attend the Ar Ridwan pledge and did not
witness it (i.e. Hudaibiya pledge of allegiance)?" Ibn 'Umar said,
"Yes." The man said, "Allahu Akbar!" Ibn 'Umar said, "Let me explain
to you (all these three things). As for his flight on the day of Uhud,
I testify that Allah has excused him and forgiven him; and as for his
absence from the battle of Badr, it was due to the fact that the
daughter of Allah's Apostle was his wife and she was sick then.
Allah's Apostle said to him, "You will receive the same reward and
share (of the booty) as anyone of those who participated in the battle
of Badr (if you stay with her).' As for his absence from the Ar-Ridwan
pledge of allegiance, had there been any person in Mecca more
respectable than 'Uthman (to be sent as a representative). Allah's
Apostle would have sent him instead of him. No doubt, Allah's Apostle
had sent him, and the incident of the Ar-Ridwan pledge of Allegiance
happened after 'Uthman had gone to Mecca. Allah's Apostle held out his
right hand saying, 'This is 'Uthman's hand.' He stroke his (other)
hand with it saying, 'This (pledge of allegiance) is on the behalf of
'Uthman.' Then Ibn 'Umar said to the man, 'Bear (these) excuses in
mind with you.'

The Prophet ascended the mountain of Uhud and Abu Bakr, 'Umar and
'Uthman were accompanying him. The mountain gave a shake (i.e.
trembled underneath them) . The Prophet said, "O Uhud ! Be calm." I
think that the Prophet hit it with his foot, adding, "For upon you
there are none but a Prophet, a Siddiq and two martyrs."

I saw 'Umar bin Al-Khattab a few days before he was stabbed in Medina.
He was standing with Hudhaifa bin Al-Yaman and 'Uthman bin Hunaif to
whom he said, "What have you done? Do you think that you have imposed
more taxation on the land (of As-Swad i.e. 'Iraq) than it can bear?"
They replied, "We have imposed on it what it can bear because of its
great yield." 'Umar again said, "Check whether you have imposed on the
land what it can not bear." They said, "No, (we haven't)." 'Umar
added, "If Allah should keep me alive I will let the widows of Iraq
need no men to support them after me." But only four days had elapsed
when he was stabbed (to death ). The day he was stabbed, I was
standing and there was nobody between me and him (i.e. Umar) except
Abdullah bin 'Abbas. Whenever Umar passed between the two rows, he
would say, "Stand in straight lines."

When he saw no defect (in the rows), he would go forward and start the
prayer with Takbir. He would recite Surat Yusuf or An-Nahl or the like
in the first Rak'a so that the people may have the time to Join the
prayer. As soon as he said Takbir, I heard him saying, "The dog has
killed or eaten me," at the time he (i.e. the murderer) stabbed him. A
non-Arab infidel proceeded on carrying a double-edged knife and
stabbing all the persons he passed by on the right and left (till) he
stabbed thirteen persons out of whom seven died. When one of the
Muslims saw that, he threw a cloak on him. Realizing that he had been
captured, the non-Arab infidel killed himself, 'Umar held the hand of
'Abdur-Rahman bin Auf and let him lead the prayer.

Those who were standing by the side of 'Umar saw what I saw, but the
people who were in the other parts of the Mosque did not see anything,
but they lost the voice of 'Umar and they were saying, "Subhan Allah!
Subhan Allah! (i.e. Glorified be Allah)." Abdur-Rahman bin Auf led the
people a short prayer. When they finished the prayer, 'Umar said, "O
Ibn 'Abbas! Find out who attacked me." Ibn 'Abbas kept on looking here
and there for a short time and came to say. "The slave of Al Mughira."
On that 'Umar said, "The craftsman?" Ibn 'Abbas said, "Yes." 'Umar
said, "May Allah curse him. I did not treat him unjustly. All the
Praises are for Allah Who has not caused me to die at the hand of a
man who claims himself to be a Muslim. No doubt, you and your father
(Abbas) used to love to have more non-Arab infidels in Medina."
Al-Abbas had the greatest number of slaves. Ibn 'Abbas said to 'Umar.
"If you wish, we will do." He meant, "If you wish we will kill them."
'Umar said, "You are mistaken (for you can't kill them) after they
have spoken your language, prayed towards your Qibla, and performed
Hajj like yours."

Then Umar was carried to his house, and we went along with him, and
the people were as if they had never suffered a calamity before. Some
said, "Do not worry (he will be Alright soon)." Some said, "We are
afraid (that he will die)." Then an infusion of dates was brought to
him and he drank it but it came out (of the wound) of his belly. Then
milk was brought to him and he drank it, and it also came out of his
belly. The people realized that he would die. We went to him, and the
people came, praising him. A young man came saying, "O chief of the
believers! Receive the glad tidings from Allah to you due to your
company with Allah's Apostle and your superiority in Islam which you
know. Then you became the ruler (i.e. Caliph) and you ruled with
justice and finally you have been martyred." 'Umar said, "I wish that
all these privileges will counterbalance (my shortcomings) so that I
will neither lose nor gain anything."

When the young man turned back to leave, his clothes seemed to be
touching the ground. 'Umar said, "Call the young man back to me."
(When he came back) 'Umar said, "O son of my brother! Lift your
clothes, for this will keep your clothes clean and save you from the
Punishment of your Lord." 'Umar further said, "O 'Abdullah bin 'Umar!
See how much I am in debt to others." When the debt was checked, it
amounted to approximately eighty-six thousand. 'Umar said, "If the
property of 'Umar's family covers the debt, then pay the debt thereof;
otherwise request it from Bani 'Adi bin Ka'b, and if that too is not
sufficient, ask for it from Quraish tribe, and do not ask for it from
any one else, and pay this debt on my behalf."

'Umar then said (to 'Abdullah), "Go to 'Aisha (the mother of the
believers) and say: "Umar is paying his salutation to you. But don't
say: 'The chief of the believers,' because today I am not the chief of
the believers. And say: "Umar bin Al-Khattab asks the permission to be
buried with his two companions (i.e. the Prophet, and Abu Bakr)."
Abdullah greeted 'Aisha and asked for the permission for entering, and
then entered to her and found her sitting and weeping. He said to her,
"'Umar bin Al-Khattab is paying his salutations to you, and asks the
permission to be buried with his two companions." She said, "I had the
idea of having this place for myself, but today I prefer Umar to
myself." When he returned it was said (to 'Umar), "'Abdullah bin 'Umar
has come." 'Umar said, "Make me sit up." Somebody supported him
against his body and 'Umar asked ('Abdullah), "What news do you have?"
He said, "O chief of the believers! It is as you wish. She has given
the permission." 'Umar said, "Praise be to Allah, there was nothing
more important to me than this. So when I die, take me, and greet
'Aisha and say: "Umar bin Al-Khattab asks the permission (to be buried
with the Prophet ), and if she gives the permission, bury me there,
and if she refuses, then take me to the grave-yard of the Muslims."

Then Hafsa (the mother of the believers) came with many other women
walking with her. When we saw her, we went away. She went in (to
'Umar) and wept there for sometime. When the men asked for permission
to enter, she went into another place, and we heard her weeping
inside. The people said (to 'Umar), "O chief of the believers! Appoint
a successor." Umar said, "I do not find anyone more suitable for the
job than the following persons or group whom Allah's Apostle had been
pleased with before he died." Then 'Umar mentioned 'Ali, 'Uthman,
AzZubair, Talha, Sad and 'Abdur-Rahman (bin Auf) and said, "Abdullah
bin 'Umar will be a witness to you, but he will have no share in the
rule. His being a witness will compensate him for not sharing the
right of ruling. If Sad becomes the ruler, it will be alright:
otherwise, whoever becomes the ruler should seek his help, as I have
not dismissed him because of disability or dishonesty." 'Umar added,
"I recommend that my successor takes care of the early emigrants; to
know their rights and protect their honor and sacred things.

I also recommend that he be kind to the Ansar who had lived in Medina
before the emigrants and Belief had entered their hearts before them.
I recommend that the (ruler) should accept the good of the righteous
among them and excuse their wrong-doers, and I recommend that he
should do good to all the people of the towns (Al-Ansar), as they are
the protectors of Islam and the source of wealth and the source of
annoyance to the enemy. I also recommend that nothing be taken from
them except from their surplus with their consent. I also recommend
that he do good to the 'Arab bedouin, as they are the origin of the
'Arabs and the material of Islam. He should take from what is
inferior, amongst their properties and distribute that to the poor
amongst them. I also recommend him concerning Allah's and His
Apostle's protectees (i.e. Dhimmis) to fulfill their contracts and to
fight for them and not to overburden them with what is beyond their
ability." So when 'Umar expired, we carried him out and set out
walking. 'Abdullah bin 'Umar greeted ('Aisha) and said, "'Umar bin
Al-Khattab asks for the permission." 'Aisha said, "Bring him in." He
was brought in and buried beside his two companions.

When he was buried, the group (recommended by 'Umar) held a meeting.
Then 'Abdur-Rahman said, " Reduce the candidates for rulership to
three of you." Az-Zubair said, "I give up my right to Ali." Talha
said, "I give up my right to 'Uthman," Sad, 'I give up my right to
'Abdur-Rahman bin 'Auf." 'Abdur-Rahman then said (to 'Uthman and
'Ali), "Now which of you is willing to give up his right of candidacy
to that he may choose the better of the (remaining) two, bearing in
mind that Allah and Islam will be his witnesses." So both the sheiks
(i.e. 'Uthman and 'Ali) kept silent. 'Abdur-Rahman said, "Will you
both leave this matter to me, and I take Allah as my Witness that I
will not choose but the better of you?" They said, "Yes." So
'Abdur-Rahman took the hand of one of them (i.e. 'Ali) and said, "You
are related to Allah's Apostle and one of the earliest Muslims as you
know well. So I ask you by Allah to promise that if I select you as a
ruler you will do justice, and if I select 'Uthman as a ruler you will
listen to him and obey him." Then he took the other (i.e. 'Uthman)
aside and said the same to him. When 'Abdur-Rahman secured (their
agreement to) this covenant, he said, "O 'Uthman! Raise your hand." So
he (i.e. 'Abdur-Rahman) gave him (i.e. 'Uthman) the solemn pledge, and
then 'Ali gave him the pledge of allegiance and then all the (Medina)
people gave him the pledge of allegiance.

Allah's Apostle said, "Tomorrow I will give the flag to a man with
whose leadership Allah will grant (the Muslim) victory." So the people
kept on thinking the whole night as to who would be given the flag.
The next morning the people went to Allah's Apostle and every one of
them hoped that he would be given the flag. The Prophet said, "Where
is Ali bin Abi Talib?" The people replied, "He is suffering from eye
trouble, O Allah's Apostle." He said, "Send for him and bring him to
me." So when 'Ali came, the Prophet spat in his eyes and invoked good
on him, and he became alright as if he had no ailment. The Prophet
then gave him the flag. 'Ali said, "O Allah's Apostle! Shall I fight
them (i.e. enemy) till they become like us?" The Prophet said,
"Proceed to them steadily till you approach near to them and then
invite them to Islam and inform them of their duties towards Allah
which Islam prescribes for them, for by Allah, if one man is guided on
the right path (i.e. converted to Islam) through you, it would be
better for you than (a great number of) red camels."

Ali happened to stay behind the Prophet and (did not join him) during
the battle of Khaibar for he was having eye trouble. Then he said,
"How could I remain behind Allah's Apostle?" So 'Ali set out following
the Prophet , When it was the eve of the day in the morning of which
Allah helped (the Muslims) to conquer it, Allah's Apostle said, "I
will give the flag (to a man), or tomorrow a man whom Allah and His
Apostle love will take the flag," or said, "A man who loves Allah and
His Apostle; and Allah will grant victory under his leadership."
Suddenly came 'Ali whom we did not expect. The people said, "This is
'Ali." Allah's Apostle gave him the flag and Allah granted victory
under his leadership.

A man came to Sahl bin Sad and said, "This is so-and-so," meaning the
Governor of Medina, "He is calling 'Ali bad names near the pulpit."
Sahl asked, "What is he saying?" He (i.e. the man) replied, "He calls
him (i.e. 'Ali) Abu Turab." Sahl laughed and said, "By Allah, none but
the Prophet called him by this name and no name was dearer to 'Ali
than this." So I asked Sahl to tell me more, saying, "O Abu 'Abbas!
How (was this name given to 'Ali)?" Sahl said, "'Ali went to Fatima
and then came out and slept in the Mosque. The Prophet asked Fatima,
"Where is your cousin?" She said, "In the Mosque." The Prophet went to
him and found that his (i.e. Ali's) covering sheet had slipped of his
back and dust had soiled his back. The Prophet started wiping the dust
off his back and said twice, "Get up! O Abu Turab (i.e. O. man with
the dust)."

A man came to Ibn 'Umar and asked about 'Uthman and Ibn 'Umar
mentioned his good deeds and said to the questioner. "Perhaps these
facts annoy you?" The other said, "Yes." Ibn 'Umar said, "May Allah
stick your nose in the dust (i.e. degrade you)!' Then the man asked
him about 'Ali. Ibn 'Umar mentioned his good deeds and said, "It is
all true, and that is his house in the midst of the houses of the
Prophet. Perhaps these facts have hurt you?" The questioner said,
"Yes." Ibn 'Umar said, "May Allah stick your nose in the dust (i.e.
degrade you or make you do things which you hate) ! Go away and do
whatever you can against me."

Fatima complained of the suffering caused to her by the hand mill.
Some Captives were brought to the Prophet, she came to him but did not
find him at home 'Aisha was present there to whom she told (of her
desire for a servant). When the Prophet came, Aisha informed him about
Fatima's visit. Ali added "So the Prophet came to us, while we had
gone to our bed I wanted to get up but the Prophet said, "Remain at
your place". Then he sat down between us till I found the coolness of
his feet on my chest. Then he said, "Shall I teach you a thing which
is better than what you have asked me? When you go to bed, say,
'Allahu-Akbar' thirty-four times, and 'Subhan Allah thirty-three
times, and 'Alhamdu-lillah thirty-three times for that is better for
you both than a servant."

Ali said (to the people of 'Iraq), "Judge as you used to judge, for I
hate differences (and I do my best ) till the people unite as one
group, or I die as my companions have died." And narrated Sad that the
Prophet said to 'Ali, "Will you not be pleased from this that you are
to me like Aaron was to Moses?"

The people used to say, "Abu Huraira narrates too many narrations." In
fact I used to keep close to Allah's Apostle and was satisfied with
what filled my stomach. I ate no leavened bread and dressed no
decorated striped clothes, and never did a man or a woman serve me,
and I often used to press my belly against gravel because of hunger,
and I used to ask a man to recite a Quranic Verse to me although I
knew it, so that he would take me to his home and feed me. And the
most generous of all the people to the poor was Ja'far bin Abi Talib.
He used to take us to his home and offer us what was available
therein. He would even offer us an empty folded leather container (of
butter) which we would split and lick whatever was in it.

Whenever there was drought, 'Umar bin Al-Khattab used to ask Allah for
rain through Al'Abbas bin 'Abdul Muttalib, saying, "O Allah! We used
to request our Prophet to ask You for rain, and You would give us. Now
we request the uncle of our Prophet to ask You for rain, so give us
rain." And they would be given rain."

Fatima sent somebody to Abu Bakr asking him to give her her
inheritance from the Prophet from what Allah had given to His Apostle
through Fai (i.e. booty gained without fighting). She asked for the
Sadaqa (i.e. wealth assigned for charitable purposes) of the Prophet
at Medina, and Fadak, and what remained of the Khumus (i.e.,
one-fifth) of the Khaibar booty. Abu Bakr said, "Allah's Apostle said,
'We (Prophets), our property is not inherited, and whatever we leave
is Sadaqa, but Muhammad's Family can eat from this property, i.e.
Allah's property, but they have no right to take more than the food
they need.' By Allah! I will not bring any change in dealing with the
Sadaqa of the Prophet (and will keep them) as they used to be observed
in his (i.e. the Prophet's) life-time, and I will dispose with it as
Allah's Apostle used to do," Then 'Ali said, "I testify that None has
the right to be worshipped but Allah, and that Muhammad is His
Apostle," and added, "O Abu Bakr! We acknowledge your superiority."
Then he (i.e. 'Ali) mentioned their own relationship to Allah's
Apostle and their right. Abu Bakr then spoke saying, "By Allah in
Whose Hands my life is. I love to do good to the relatives of Allah's
Apostle rather than to my own relatives" Abu Bark added: Look at
Muhammad through his family (i.e. if you are no good to his family you
are not good to him).

The Prophet called his daughter Fatima during his illness in which he
died, and told her a secret whereupon she wept. Then he called her
again and told her a secret whereupon she laughed. When I asked her
about that, she replied, "The Prophet spoke to me in secret and
informed me that he would die in the course of the illness during
which he died, so I wept. He again spoke to me in secret and informed
me that I would be the first of his family to follow him (after his
death) and on that I laughed."

'Uthman bin 'Affan was afflicted with severe nose-bleeding in the year
when such illness was prevelant and that prevented him from performing
Hajj, and (because of it) he made his will. A man from Quraish came to
him and said, "Appoint your successor." 'Uthman asked, "Did the people
name him? (i.e. the successor) the man said, "Yes." Uthman asked, "Who
is that?" The man remained silent. Another man came to 'Uthman and I
think it was Al-Harith. He also said, "Appoint your successor."
'Uthman asked, "Did the people name him?" The man replied "Yes."
'Uthman said, "Who is that?" The man remained silent. 'Uthman said,
"Perhaps they have mentioned Az-Zubair?" The man said, "Yes." 'Uthman
said, "By Him in Whose Hands my life is, he is the best of them as I
know, and the dearest of them to Allah's Apostle ."

While I was with 'Uthman, a man came to him and said, "Appoint your
successor." 'Uthman said, "Has such successor been named?" He replied,
"Yes, Az-Zubair." 'Uthman said, thrice, "By Allah! Indeed you know
that he is the best of you."

During the battle of Al-Ahzab, I and 'Umar bin Abi-Salama were kept
behind with the women. Behold! I saw (my father) Az-Zubair riding his
horse, going to and coming from Bani Quraiza twice or thrice. So when
I came back I said, "O my father! I saw you going to and coming from
Bani Quraiza?" He said, "Did you really see me, O my son?" I said,
"Yes." He said, "Allah's Apostle said, 'Who will go to Bani Quraiza
and bring me their news?' So I went, and when I came back, Allah's
Apostle mentioned for me both his parents saying, "Let my father and
mother be sacrificed for you."'

On the day of the battle of Al-Yarmuk, the companions of the Prophet
said to Az-Zubair, "Will you attack the enemy vigorously so that we
may attack them along with you?" So Az-Zubair attacked them, and they
inflicted two wounds over his shoulder, and in between these two
wounds there was an old scar he had received on the day of the battle
of Badr When I was a child, I used to insert my fingers into those
scars in play.

I heard Sad saying, "I was the first amongst the 'Arabs who shot an
arrow for Allah's Cause. We used to fight along with the Prophets,
while we had nothing to eat except the leaves of trees so that one's
excrete would look like the excrete balls of camel or a sheep,
containing nothing to mix them together. Today Banu Asad tribe blame
me for not having understood Islam. I would be a loser if my deeds
were in vain." Those people complained about Sad to 'Umar, claiming
that he did not offer his prayers perfectly.

'Ali demanded the hand of the daughter of Abu Jahl. Fatima heard of
this and went to Allah's Apostle saying, "Your people think that you
do not become angry for the sake of your daughters as 'Ali is now
going to marry the daughter of Abu Jahl. "On that Allah's Apostle got
up and after his recitation of Tashah-hud. I heard him saying, "Then
after! I married one of my daughters to Abu Al-'As bin Al-Rabi' (the
husband of Zainab, the daughter of the Prophet ) before Islam and he
proved truthful in whatever he said to me. No doubt, Fatima is a part
of me, I hate to see her being troubled. By Allah, the daughter of
Allah's Apostle and the daughter of Allah's Enemy cannot be the wives
of one man." So 'Ali gave up that engagement.

'Al-Miswar further said: I heard the Prophet talking and he mentioned
a son-in-law of his belonging to the tribe of Bani 'Abd-Shams. He
highly praised him concerning that relationship and said (whenever) he
spoke to me, he spoke the truth, and whenever he promised me, he
fulfilled his promise."

The Prophet sent an army under the command of Usama bin Zaid. When
some people criticized his leadership, the Prophet said, "If you are
criticizing Usama's leadership, you used to criticize his father's
leadership before. By Allah! He was worthy of leadership and was one
of the dearest persons to me, and (now) this (i.e. Usama) is one of
the dearest to me after him (i.e. Zaid)."

Aisha said, "A Qaif (i.e. one skilled in recognizing the lineage of a
person through Physiognomy and through examining the body parts of an
infant) came to me while the Prophet was present, and Usama bin Zaid
and Zaid bin Haritha were Lying asleep. The Qa'if said. These feet (of
Usama and his father) are of persons belonging to the same lineage.' "
The Prophet was pleased with that saying which won his admiration, and
he told 'Aisha of it.

The people of the Quraish tribe were worried about the Makhzumiya
woman. They said. "Nobody dare speak to him (i.e. the Prophet ) except
Usama bin Zaid as he is the most beloved to Allah's Apostle." Aisha
said, "A woman from Bani Makhzumiya committed a theft and the people
said, 'Who can intercede with the Prophet for her?' So nobody dared
speak to him (i.e. the Prophet) but Usama bin Zaid spoke to him. The
Prophet said, 'If a reputable man amongst the children of Bani Israel
committed a theft, they used to forgive him, but if a poor man
committed a theft, they would cut his hand. But I would cut even the
hand of Fatima (i.e. the daughter of the Prophet) if she committed a
theft."

One day Ibn 'Umar, while in the Mosque, looked at a man who was
dragging his clothes while walking in one of the corners of the Mosque
He said, "See who is that. I wish he was near to me." Somebody then
said (to Ibn 'Umar), "Don't you know him, O Abu 'Abdur-Rahman? He is
Muhammad bin Usama." On that Ibn 'Umar bowed his head and dug the
earth with his hands and then, said, "If Allah's Apostle saw him, he
would have loved him."

That the Prophet used to take him (i.e. Usama) and Al-Hassan (in his
lap) and say: "O Allah! Love them, as I love them." The freed slave of
Usama bin Zaid said, "Al-Hajjaj bin Aiman bin Um Aiman and Aiman Ibn
Um Aiman was Usama's brother from the maternal side, and he was one of
the Ansar. He was seen by Ibn 'Umar not performing his bowing and
prostrations in a perfect manner. So Ibn 'Umar told him to repeat his
prayer. Harmala, the freed slave of Usama bin Zaid said that while he
was in the company of 'Abdullah bin 'Umar, Al-Hajjaj bin Aiman came in
and (while praying) he did not perform his bowing and prostrations
properly. So Ibn 'Umar told him to repeat his prayer. When he went
away, Ibn 'Umar asked me, "Who is he?" I said, "Al-Hajjaj bin Um
Aiman." Ibn 'Umar said, "If Allah's Apostle saw him, he would have
loved him." Then Ibn 'Umar mentioned the love of the Prophet for the
children of Um Aimn. Sulaiman said that Um Aiman was one of the nurses
of the Prophet.

If a man saw a dream during the lifetime of the Prophet he would
narrate it to the Prophet. Once I wished to see a dream and narrate it
to the Prophet I was young, unmarried, and used to sleep in the Mosque
during the lifetime of the Prophet. I dreamt that two angels took me
and went away with me towards the (Hell) Fire which looked like a well
with the inside walls built up, and had two side-walls like those of a
well. There I saw some people in it whom I knew. I started saying, "I
seek Refuge with Allah from the (Hell) Fire, I seek Refuge with Allah
from the (Hell) Fire." Then another angel met the other two and said
to me, "Do not be afraid." I narrated my dream to Hafsa who, in her
turn, narrated it to the Prophet. He said, "What an excellent man
Abdullah is if he only observes the night prayer." (Salem, a
sub-narrator said, "Abdullah used not to sleep at night but very
little hence forward."

I went to Sham and offered a two-Rak'at prayer and then said, "O
Allah! Bless me with a good pious companion." So I went to some people
and sat with them. An old man came and sat by my side. I asked, "Who
is he?" They replied, "(He is) Abu-Ad-Darda.' I said (to him), "I
prayed to Allah to bless me with a pious companion and He sent you to
me." He asked me, "From where are you?" I replied, "From the people of
Al-Kufa." He said, "Isn't there amongst you Ibn Um 'Abd, the one who
used to carry the shoes, the cushion(or pillow) and the water for
ablution? Is there amongst you the one whom Allah gave Refuge from
Satan through the request of His Prophet. Is there amongst you the one
who keeps the secrets of the Prophet which nobody knows except him?"
Abu Darda further asked, "How does 'Abdullah (bin Mas'ud) recite the
Sura starting with, 'By the Night as it conceals (the light)." (92.1)
Then I recited before him:

'By the Night as it envelops: And by the Day as it appears in
brightness; And by male and female.' (91.1-3) On this Abu Ad-Darda'
said, "By Allah, the Prophet made me recite the Sura in this way while
I was listening to him (reciting it)."

Narrated Ibrahim: 'Alqama went to Sham and when he entered the mosque,
he said, "O Allah ! Bless me with a pious companion." So he sat with
Abu Ad-Darda. Abu Ad-Darda' asked him, "Where are you from?" 'Alqama
replied, "From the people of Kufa." Abu Ad

I heard the Prophet talking at the pulpit while Al-Hasan was sitting
beside him, and he (i.e. the Prophet ) was once looking at the people
and at another time Al-Hasan, and saying, "This son of mine is a
Saiyid (i.e. chief) and perhaps Allah will bring about an agreement
between two sects of the Muslims through him."

Anas bin Malik said, "The head of Al-Husain was brought to 'Ubaidullah
bin Ziyad and was put in a tray, and then Ibn Ziyad started playing
with a stick at the nose and mouth of Al-Husain's head and saying
something about his handsome features." Anas then said (to him),
"Al-Husain resembled the Prophet more than the others did." Anas
added, "His (i.e. Al-Husain's) hair was dyed with Wasma (i.e. a kind
of plant used as a dye)."

A person asked 'Abdullah bin 'Umar whether a Muslim could kill flies.
I heard him saying (in reply). "The people of Iraq are asking about
the killing of flies while they themselves murdered the son of the
daughter of Allah's Apostle . The Prophet said, They (i.e. Hasan and
Husain) are my two sweet basils in this world."

The Prophet had informed the people about the death of Zaid, Ja'far
and Ibn Rawaha before the news of their death reached them. He said
with his eyes flowing with tears, "Zaid took the flag and was
martyred; then Ja'far took the flag and was martyred, and then Ibn
Rawaha took the flag and was martyred. Finally the flag was taken by
one of Allah's Swords (i.e. Khalid bin Al-Walid) and Allah gave them
(i.e. the Muslims) victory."

'Abdullah (bin Mas'ud) was mentioned before 'Abdullah bin 'Amr. The
latter said, "That is a man I continue to love because I heard Allah's
Apostle saying, ' Learn the recitation of the Qur'an from (any of
these) four persons: 'Abdullah bin Masud, Salim the freed slave of Abu
Hudhaifa, Ubai bin Kab, and Muadh bin Jabal." I do not remember
whether he mentioned Ubai first or Muadh.

Allah's Apostle neither talked in an insulting manner nor did he ever
speak evil intentionally. He used to say, "The most beloved to me
amongst you is the one who has the best character and manners." He
added, " Learn the Qur'an from (any of these) four persons. 'Abdullah
bin Mas'ud, Salim the freed slave of Abu Hudhaifa, Ubai bin Ka'b, and
Mu'adh bin Jabal."

I went to Sham and was offering a two-Rak'at prayer; I said, "O Allah!
Bless me with a (pious) companion." Then I saw an old man coming
towards me, and when he came near I said, (to myself), "I hope Allah
has given me my request." The man asked (me), "Where are you from?" I
replied, "I am from the people of Kufa." He said, "Weren't there
amongst you the Carrier of the (Prophet's) shoes, Siwak and the
ablution water container? Weren't there amongst you the man who was
given Allah's Refuge from the Satan? And weren't there amongst you the
man who used to keep the (Prophet's) secrets which nobody else knew?
How did Ibn Um 'Abd (i.e. 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud) use to recite
Surat-al-lail (the Night:92)?" I recited:--

"By the Night as it envelops By the Day as it appears in brightness.
And by male and female." (92.1-3) On that, Abu Darda said, "By Allah,
the Prophet made me read the Verse in this way after listening to
him, but these people (of Sham) tried their best to let me say
something different."

We asked Hudhaifa to tell us of a person resembling (to some extent)
the Prophet in good appearance and straight forward behavior so that
we may learn from him (good manners and acceptable conduct). Hudhaifa
replied, "I do not know anybody resembling the Prophet (to some
extent) in appearance and conduct more than Ibn Um 'Abd.

My brother and I came from Yemen, and for some time we continued to
consider 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud as one of the members of the family of
the Prophet because we used to see him and his mother going in the
house of the Prophet very often.

Muawiya offered one Rak'a Witr prayer after the 'Isha prayer, and at
that time a freed slave of Ibn 'Abbas was present. He (i.e. the slave)
went to Ibn 'Abbas (and told him that Muawiya offered one Rak'a Witr
prayer). Ibn Abbas said, "Leave him, for he was in the company of
Allah's Apostle."

Somebody said to Ibn 'Abbas, "Can you speak to the chief of the
believers Muwaiya, as he does not pray except one Rak'a as Witr?" Ibn
'Abbas replied, "He is a Faqih (i.e. a learned man who can give
religious verdicts) ."

Muawiya said (to the people), "You offer a prayer which we, who were
the companions of the Prophet never saw the Prophet offering, and he
forbade its offering," i.e. the two Rakat after the compulsory 'Asr
prayer.

'Aisha said, "Once Allah's Apostle said (to me), 'O Aish ('Aisha)!
This is Gabriel greeting you.' I said, 'Peace and Allah's Mercy and
Blessings be on him, you see what I don't see' " She was addressing
Allah 's Apostle.

Allah's Apostle said, "Many amongst men attained perfection but
amongst women none attained the perfection except Mary, the daughter
of Imran and Asiya, the wife of Pharaoh. And the superiority of 'Aisha
to other women is like the superiority of Tharid (i.e. an Arabic dish)
to other meals."

When 'Ali sent 'Ammar and Al-Hasan to (the people of) Kufa to urge
them to fight, 'Ammar addressed them saying, "I know that she (i.e.
'Aisha) is the wife of the Prophet in this world and in the Hereafter
(world to come), but Allah has put you to test, whether you will
follow Him (i.e. Allah) or her."

That she borrowed a necklace from Asma' and it was lost. Allah's
Apostle sent some of his companions to look for it. During their
journey the time of prayer was due and they prayed without ablution.
When they returned to the Prophet they complained about it. So the
Divine Verse of Tayammum was revealed. Usaid bin Hudair said (to
'Aisha), "May Allah reward you handsomely. By Allah, whenever you have
a difficulty, Allah took you out of it and brought with it, a Blessing
for the Muslims."

When Allah's Apostle was in his fatal illness, he started visiting his
wives and saying, "Where will I be tomorrow?" He was anxious to be in
'Aisha's home. 'Aisha said, "So when it was my day, the Prophet became
silent (no longer asked the question)."

The people used to send presents to the Prophet on the day of 'Aisha's
turn. 'Aisha said, "My companions (i.e. the other wives of the
Prophet) gathered in the house of Um Salama and said, "0 Um Salama! By
Allah, the people choose to send presents on the day of 'Aisha's turn
and we too, love the good (i.e. presents etc.) as 'Aisha does. You
should tell Allah's Apostle to tell the people to send their presents
to him wherever he may be, or wherever his turn may be." Um Salama
said that to the Prophet and he turned away from her, and when the
Prophet returned to her (i.e. Um Salama), she repeated the same, and
the Prophet again turned away, and when she told him the same for the
third time, the Prophet said, "O Um Salama! Don't trouble me by
harming 'Aisha, for by Allah, the Divine Inspiration never came to me
while I was under the blanket of any woman amongst you except her."